Fantasy Spin: The Angels Trade for Three Outfielders

RotoExperts.com 12:00 am, July 29th, 2015

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Just one day after trading with the Red Sox to acquire Shane Victorino, the Los Angeles Angels made two more deals for outfielders. First, they sent Double-A SS Eric Stamets to the Cleveland Indians for David Murphy, then they traded Rookie ball starter Eduar Lopez to the Tampa Bay Rays for David DeJesus. Josh Rutledge went to the Red Sox for Victorino. The trio of moves give the Angels a couple of left-handed bats to better balance their lineup and some necessary outfield depth in light of the injuries to Matt Joyce (concussion) and Colin Cowgill (wrist).

Shane Victorino gets the short end of a platoon with the Angels Photo Credit: Keith Allison

Since Mike Trout is entrenched in centerfield and Kole Calhoun in right field, manager Mike Scioscia can platoon Victorino with DeJesus in left field and use Murphy in a platoon with C.J. Cron in the DH slot. Cron has struggled against right-handers this season with a .228 BA, but he’s crushed lefties (.322). Murphy has handled righties well this season with a .297 BA and five homers, so he will get the better end of the platoon. In AL-only leagues and mixed leagues with daily lineup moves, Murphy gets a slight boost in value, as the Angels boast one of the more potent offenses in the game. Cron’s value takes a tumble, as he’ll get the short end of the platoon. He’s only recently caught fire, so if you picked him up in a mixed league, it’s time to drop him.

A similar dynamic will govern the right fielders. DeJesus will start against right-handed pitching; he’s batted .263 against this season with five home runs in 224 PA. Victorino will start against lefties; he’s batted .343 against them this season. Unfortunately, due to the lack of pop neither DeJesus nor Victorino is recommended outside of deep AL-only leagues for Fantasy use. DeJesus can be used as an injury replacement on a short term basis in deeper mixed leagues, but that’s about all.